Colts running back competition continues with surprising new addition

Cody Manning

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Colts running back competition continues with surprising new addition image

While the Indianapolis Colts know who will lead the backfield, there's a massive competition taking place during the preseason for the depth roles.

Jonathan Taylor is firmly entrenched as the starter, but there's heavy competition for his backup. With Trey Sermon nursing a hamstring injury, it has opened to door for an even more crowded competition.

And a new name emerged in the battle during the Colts' 21-13 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night.

The rushing attack was less than desirable in the first preseason game against the Denver Broncos. Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull combined for 31 rushing yards on 15 attempts.

It was a much better go-around for the backup running backs against the Cardinals. 

Goodson got the start with Taylor resting and Sermon being sidelined with his hamstring injury. He finished with six carries for 35 yards and showed great vision on his touchdown run.

Great vision by Tyler Goodson on his touchdown run.pic.twitter.com/gdhhXzvNeC

— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) August 17, 2024

Hull was efficient with his limited touches. He ran the ball four times for 26 yards and caught his one target for five yards. 

Nice pull, great run from Evan Hull#Colts#ForTheShoe#Cardinals#AZvsIND pic.twitter.com/OMyl94EWWr

— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) August 17, 2024

It wasn’t just Goodson and Hull that found success on the ground. Second-year undrafted free agent Zavier Scott put together some good runs in his extended time on the field.

The 2023 practice squad member finished with 11 rushes for 55 yards and a touchdown. 

Week Two Pre-Season

Zavier Scott Rushing TD (1) pic.twitter.com/Pqm7z4xqFD

— NFL TD Videos (@NFLTDVids) August 18, 2024

This is the type of night that can help Scott extend his time in the NFL. Unless it turns out Sermon’s hamstring injury is significant, Scott is a prime practice squad candidate unless another team puts a waiver claim on him after cuts are in on Aug. 27.

The trio of backs combined for 116 yards and averaged 5.52 yards per carry. The running backs delivering should keep Chris Ballard from considering signing a veteran or putting in a waiver claim in 10 days.

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Cody Manning

Cody Manning Photo

Cody Manning is a graduate of the University of Tampa’s Sport Management program. He spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Guest and Member Relations Game Day staff where he was a Team Leader and earned Difference Maker of the Year in 2017. During his time with the Bucs, he helped start Blitzalytics, a scouting and analytics media company. After that came to an end, he joined USA Today’s Colts Wire as a contributor in 2021. Outside of football, he is an avid WWE and Batman fan. You can find him on Twitter/X @CodyTalksNFL.